10 Surprising Actors Who Have Never Starred in a Western Film

As an admirer of the Western genre, I’ve often been captivated by how certain actors, like Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner, seamlessly embody the spirit of gunslingers and outlaws. While numerous performers have left significant marks on Westerns, some have surprisingly shied away from entering the classic frontier realm. It’s intriguing to note that while many actors have ventured into “neo-Western”territories, a notable number have not yet embraced the traditional Old West style.

Equally striking is the way that certain films have notably altered my perception of various actors, allowing them to break free from their contemporary Hollywood images. A handful of these actors have traversed nearly every Old West trope and cliché, making their absence from classic Westerns particularly striking. Although the Western genre may not hold the same clout as in its heyday, there remains ample opportunity for these actors to don the roles of gunslingers and heroes.

10: Gerard Butler

His Intensity Is Ideal for a Gritty Revisionist Western

Many of us became fans of Gerard Butler after his iconic role in 300, where his unparalleled intensity captivated viewers. Hollywood clearly recognized this and has continued to cast him in action roles where he often confronts villains. While his modern action adventures are enjoyable, Butler’s absence from Western films represents a significant missed opportunity.

Among the action heroes of the 21st century, Butler undeniably embodies the essence of a Spaghetti Western antihero. If Hollywood were to consider a sequel or a remake of the classic 1966 film Django, Butler would be an ideal choice for the role of “old man Django.”Whether maintaining his Scottish accent or adopting an American twang, I’d be thrilled to see him navigating the rugged landscapes of the West.

9: Gary Oldman

The Western Is the Only Genre Missing from His Impressive Resume

Gary Oldman is a versatile actor, adept at portraying a diverse range of characters from a vengeful Russian terrorist to a sympathetic figure like Sirius Black. Given his extensive career, one might expect him to have transitioned into Westerns by now. Reflecting on the prestigious Western films released while he was active, it’s perplexing to consider the roles he could have skillfully inhabited.

The fact that Oldman has tackled virtually every other film genre—from sci-fi in The Fifth Element to dramatic portrayals of historical figures like Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour—makes his absence from Westerns all the more puzzling. While he came close with The Book of Eli, the void in his portfolio for Western roles feels like a significant loss to both his career and the film industry.

8: Robert Downey Jr.

He Would Be Fantastic in a Comedy Western

Since his revival in Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.has emerged as one of my top actors of the past twenty years. If Marvel were to explore a steampunk adaptation of the 1872 comics, a Western version of Iron Man would contractually beckon him back into the fold. His stellar portrayal in Sherlock Holmes demonstrated his comfort with period pieces, yet we have yet to see him venture into the dusty trails of the Old West.

In U. S.Marshals, he showcased his capability to play antagonistic roles, yet I envision him more as a comedic protagonist. Drawing inspiration from Gene Wilder’s character in Blazing Saddles, Downey’s charm could greatly enliven a comedy Western, making it surprising that he has yet to appear in films like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

7: Kyle Chandler

A Contemporary Old Hollywood Style Star

Kyle Chandler’s casting in Peter Jackson’s King Kong is one of the finest examples of a modern-day leading man. His appearance suggests a classic film star, ideal for a role in significant Westerns of eras past. It’s a shame that as his career gained momentum, the Western genre began to wane, with only a handful of noteworthy films produced in the last decade and a half.

If there’s anyone who could channel the spirit of John Wayne in a contemporary Western, it’s Chandler. It’s not hard to envision him taking on a younger portrayal of Duke in a compelling biopic film.

6: Shia LaBeouf

His Recent Roles Demonstrate His Potential as a Gunslinger

While many may link Shia LaBeouf to the Transformers franchise, he has evolved into one of the most underrated actors of his generation. His role in Padre Pio demonstrated his capability in historical narratives, similar to how he excelled in Fury. Despite his debut in films like Holes, which includes Western elements, LaBeouf hasn’t officially stepped into the genre.

Over the past decade, LaBeouf has undergone a profound artistic transformation, emerging as a talented method actor, vividly exemplified in films like Fury. It feels only a matter of time before we see him embody a gunslinger, complete with a Stetson, channeling the depth and authenticity he has so expertly cultivated in his recent roles.

5: Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris Surprisingly Lacks an Authentic Western Role

Emerging from the neo-Western genre, Chuck Norris epitomizes the modern cowboy through projects like Lone Wolf McQuade and Walker, Texas Ranger. Curiously, however, he has never participated in a traditional Western film, preferring to stick with contemporary characters that allow his martial arts talents to shine.

Given Norris’s stature, a Western role could have produced an innovatively unique film within the genre. Fans of his martial-arts-infused action could easily be lured into an imaginative cowboy-themed adventure, blending his iconic style with Wild West narratives.

4: David Harbour

Stranger Things Paved His Path for a Gritty Western

Watching Stranger Things has revealed David Harbour’s undeniable charisma and screen presence. His portrayal of Jim Hopper reminds audiences of characters often seen in neo-Western productions, exuding a heroic yet flawed persona reminiscent of figures from shows like Deadwood. For many fans, he naturally invokes the ruggedness expected in Western narratives.

Given Harbour’s strong screen presence, few actors capture the spirit of the Old West better than he does. I envision him in roles that lean more towards villainy than heroism, given his potential evident in gritty narratives like The Revenant. It seems that a Western role is in his future, and he would undoubtedly bring captivating depth to the character.

3: Henry Cavill

His Latest War Film Reveals His Potential as a Western Antihero

Henry Cavill in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Despite being known as Superman, the 2010s often boxed Henry Cavill into refined, suave characters. In The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, he displays a gritty edge that completely redefines his on-screen persona. This role would not be out of place in a Western environment, paralleling the escapades of a classic Clint Eastwood character.

While Cavill showcases his suitability for polished parts like Napoleon Solo, this latest film introduces a more complex grit that lends itself to the ruggedness of the Old West. I can easily envision him embodying a charming gambler in a saloon or a daring shooter in a high-stakes showdown.

2: Paul Giamatti

He Would Make an Unforgettable Western Villain

The Western genre thrives on memorable antagonists, and Paul Giamatti possesses the perfect blend of charisma and malice necessary to create a truly unforgettable villain. Few performances rival Gene Hackman’s iconic portrayals in Westerns. Drawing parallels, Giamatti’s work in films like Shoot ‘Em Up illustrates why he would thrive in a Western setting.

Transitioning to more dramatic roles over time, his work in Shoot ‘Em Up stands as a testament to his potential as a captivating Western villain. Giamatti’s innate ability to embody the darker facets of a character would undoubtedly create a colorful and compelling layer within a Western narrative, and giving him a six-shooter and a cowboy hat would be nothing short of cinematic gold.

1: Pedro Pascal

He Represents the Neo-Western Trend in Modern Television

With his impressive range, Pedro Pascal has consistently emerged in various neo-Western projects without having yet entered the classic Old West sphere. His role in The Mandalorian exemplifies a modern bounty hunter heavily influenced by Clint Eastwood’s iconic characters. I am astonished he has not yet played a role in a remake of a classic film like Shane, which would seem rather fitting for him.

Should current films like The Magnificent Seven, Shane, or Silverado be reimagined today, Pascal would undoubtedly be a front-runner for the lead roles. It seems almost inevitable that we will eventually see him embracing the quintessential cowboy aesthetic while riding through a vibrant cinematic portrayal of the American West. Although I wouldn’t want him to leave franchises like The Mandalorian, there’s an unmistakable calling for him in the Western genre.

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